As I accept the gavel of the presidency of NCJW/AZ, I thank all of you for your encouragement, confidence and support as we move forward with a re-energized, bold and aggressive focus on advocacy to improve the lives and secure the fundamental human and civil rights of women, children and families. Our well-attended Installation of Officers set the tone with an inspiring talk on women’s empowerment by AZ House Minority Whip, Rep. Athena Salman, a firebrand legislator and leading progressive advocate for reproductive rights, gender equity, immigration reform and public education.

Our goal is to advocate for reproductive justice, to build partnerships across a wide spectrum of organizations and to make NCJW/AZ a force for change in social justice community. We will remain at the forefront of the campaign to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and we hope to work with Mayor Kate Gallego, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and legislators like Athena Salman to help establish rape crisis centers in Arizona and to help protect and empower victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Of course, we always will remain committed to our mitzvah and tzedakah efforts such as tutoring, helping the elderly, assisting asylum-seekers and youth who have aged-out of the foster-care system. But we are living in dangerous times that threaten the fabric of who we are as women, as Jews and as Americans. We cannot remain on the sidelines. We must stand up and make our voices heard.

In April I was proud to represent our Section at NCJW’s annual Washington Institute. All the SPA’s attended training sessions and reported on the advocacy efforts that have been growing as more women, especially NCJW women, are inspired to step up and step out. Some are running for elected offices while others are making their voices heard.

Speakers included Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, who was introduced by the wife of Senator Angus King of Maine (she is a long-time member of NCJW). Four students from Parkland, Florida inspired us by their commitment and their vision. We also heard from former Assistant Attorney General Sally Yates and Cecile Richards, the former CEO of Planned Parenthood.

There was a gala dinner for outgoing NCJW President Nancy Kaufman and we met Sheila Katz, the incoming CEO, a dynamic young woman with an impressive resume.

Back home in Arizona, our legislature will be recessing in May after a budget is passed but the federal government will be open for business. You can expect to hear from me through the summer, and I hope you will respond as I keep you posted on state and national activities.

NCJWAZ has adopted a new streamlined leadership structure for 2019-20 in order to facilitate services and communications.

The executive team consists of the President, three Executive Vice Presidents and the nationally-appointed State Policy Advocate (SPA). Together the team will ensure the mission, vision and goals of NCJW are carried out in the best way for our community.

Executive VP, Operations & Social Action is charged with coordinating and overseeing day-to-day operations of the Section, including meetings, programming and social action advocacy and initiatives.

Executive VP, Organizational Development is charged with coordinating and overseeing all aspects of fiscal responsibilities and membership development.

Executive VP, Communications is charged with coordinating and overseeing all internal and external communications.

Paula Schulman

Mothers’ Day Jewelry Gift Event

In April we asked our members for donations of costume jewelry for a Mother’s Day event at Sojourner Center, a Phoenix domestic violence shelter, so children would be able to choose gifts they could give to their moms. Not only did we meet our goal for the Sojourner event, but there were enough pieces to do the same project for the children at UMOM, another local shelter!

Thanks to all of you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. And special thanks to those who helped collect, sort and bag the gift items.

We’re making plans for social events and activities throughout the summer to maintain the closeness that our members have enjoyed through the years, so check your email for postings of dates and times.

Meanwhile, we’re making plans for the upcoming year. Expect your Non-Event invitation after the High Holidays, and the save the evening of December 24th for our annual Game Night -- a pot luck dinner, raffles and games. We’ll be extending the hours this year so you and your guests will have more time to play.

Remember that tribute cards are always available. You can set up an account with Lynn Greenberg or buy packets of all-purpose card or the colorful celebration card. Contact me or Lynn if you have questions about these options.

The schedule for the February 2020 Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival is already in the works. This has been a successful fundraiser for NCJW when members order tickets through our Section.

As always, if you are interested in working on our committee, have new ideas, or just want to help with one event, please contact me.

The NCJW AZ membership directory for 2018-2019 is now available. Members who would like a copy should email membership@ncjwaz.org and we will email it to you. Reproduction or distribution of the directory is strictly prohibited.

NCJW AZ First-Time Member Special

First-time members who join now will be covered through June 30, 2020! By joining the Arizona section you are also a member of NCJW National, headquartered in Washington, DC -- but not the other way around. To join or give a membership gift,CLICK HERE or email membership@ncjwaz.org for more information.

Have you heard about the POP TAB CHALLENGE to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses in Arizona? Just collect Pop Tabs from any container, bag them and contact me. I’ll make sure they are delivered to one of the three houses in our area.

In conjunction with the Interfaith Community Ministry Clothing and Food Bank I am collecting USED PRESCRIPTION CONTAINERS. The amber colored containers (any size, with caps) will be filled with shampoo, conditioner or body wash and will be distributed to the homeless.

OPERATION PAPERBACK: Clear your shelves or garage and give me your unwanted paperback books to send to our troops. I will collect them at general meetings or contact me to arrange a pick up: Bunny Berkowitz at fbunnyb@cox.net or 480-621-8422.

PUEBLO NORTE VOLUNTEERS: Members are always needed as facilitators for various programs in the Assisted Living section. Day and time will be determined by the volunteer and Pam, the Events Director. Can you donate one half hour a month? Visit with the residents in Healthcare, any day or time. Contact Bunny Berkowitz for details, questions and hopefully with the day you are available.

DONATIONS NEEDED:HOPE PHONES will responsibly recycle or refurbish all mobiles from old and broken to the latest smart phones and create communications networks for health workers serving millions in 15 countries. Hope Phones receives the value of each recycled phone to purchase new mobile technology for the field.

EYEGLASSES: Any and all to be given to the Lions Club for recycling.

NO PROGRAM CAN SUCCEED WITHOUT MEMBER PARTICIPATION.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS MEMBERS WHO GIVE TO

ANY OR ALL OF THE ABOVE.

NCJW continues to collect the following items at our monthly meetings:

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Just Three Things

Non-perishable food items for young adults who have aged-out of the foster care system

Go with the Flow

Tampons and sanitary pads for high school girls who might otherwise miss school

Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank

Individual sized personal care items

INTEREST GROUPS

Try one or more of these groups that meet regularly or the “Out and About” day trips and events. Watch future Newsletters or email notices of these special outings.

Make someone's day! Send a handwritten message of support, celebration, or sympathy. You can choose either the traditional NCJW card or the new "celebration" card. It’s a thoughtful way to express your sentiments while supporting NCJW. All $5 contributions will be listed here unless you request otherwise. We can mail individual cards for you or you can purchase packets of cards. Send your check to NCJW AZ,14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Ste 111-228, Scottsdale AZ 85260

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.